TV Review: Ebert Presents-At The Movies - The Cultute of Pop, DVD, Movie, TV, Pop Culture Review

TV Review: Ebert Presents-At The Movies

Posted: Sun, 13 Feb 2011 23:45:40 PST

After nearly three decades, an infamous, remodeled balcony has returned home to the friendly, commercial free confines of PBS.

Although I can't recall the exact date, sometime in 1978 I was flipping around the dial on the 16 inch Motorola TV in my room looking for something to watch (and most likely an excuse to get out of doing homework...for a while at least). For some odd reason, I decided to stop upon looking at these two average looking joes talking up movies, some of which were miles away from my local theater.

Gene Siskel and Roger Ebert were like the coolest cinematic teachers ever, film geeks before that expression entered the pop culture vernacular. From that night onward, I rarely missed a show. Talking in a language I understood and felt a part of, I followed them from their Sneak Previews days to syndication with Tribune and Disney. Gene's sadly not with us anymore, and Roger's wonderful, distinctive voice and hearty chuckle have been silenced forever due to health woes....but not his mind and writing gifts.

Together with wife Chaz serving as executive producer, intelligent movie talk has risen once again with Ebert Presents: At The Movies, which as of this writing can be seen in most of the US, with my home base of Huntsville, AL now aboard (thanks, Alabama Public Television). Associated Press critic Christy Lemire and Mubi.com contributor Ignatiy Vishnevetsky serve as hosts, and contrary to early mixed reviews, these two authors blended together wonderfully on the first show I had a chance to see (with The Mechanic, The Illusionist and Barney's Version among the reviewed titles). Intelligent banter, good chemistry and an effective sense of timing that's quite impressive for a team this early in a partnership. Additionally, Vishnevetsky is strikingly effective for one having as little on camera experience compared to that of Lemire.

Even better, the Pulitzer Prize winning Ebert still gets in on the act, courtesy of guest voice overs from the world of news and film who read Roger's script copy. Although I thought this would take some getting used to, it was effectively done, albeit a little too quick of a review for my taste...just take your time, Roger...There's no Hondas to sell or Hot Pockets to peddle, okay?

Also worth mentioning are special pieces on film techniques and such, with well known online critics like Kim Morgan and Omar Moore, and respected writers including Nell Minow and Jeff Greenfield.

About the only thing missing? Sparky, The Wonder Dog from the salad days of Gene and Roger, but a sole, minor nicky pit for the welcome reinvention of a show that's been gone too long, and thankfully, back under the creative control of a television and journalism innovator.

Oh, almost forgot. Two thumbs up. Way up!!! (and save me the aisle seat).....

-J.R.

-Jeffrey Rosado is a writer, pop culture historian, performer, and all around nice guy...until you talk, text, eat loudly, wear a big hat, leave your cell ringer on, don't leave your crying baby at home (and a hundred other things) while he's “At The Movies”....

-Follow Jeff on Twitter: marquee_man

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